Free Last Will and Testament Form (Word / PDF)

A last will and testament form is a legal document that states how your property and affairs are to be handled when you pass away. It also outlines how you wish your funeral to be conducted. It is also referred as a “will” or “last will.”

Table of Contents

What is a last will and testament?

A last will and testament is a legal document that indicate what have to be done with your property and matters when you pass away. You can include charitable contributions and other bequests in your last will. You must be old enough in order to make or witness a will or serve as an executor.

Furthermore, in case, you die without a will, your state’s laws decide who your property goes to and who cares for your children. If you want to make your own choice regarding what happens to your property and loved ones when you pass away, you need a last will.

How to make your own will?

You need to understand the following key terms in order to write your own last will and testament;

Testator: the person who is making the will i.e. you.
Probate: it is the legal process that is carried out when the testator passes away especially to assess your last will.
Executor: the individual you name to settle your affairs and ensure your wishes, as mentioned in your will, are carried out.
Guardian: in case, your spouse is also deceased or cannot care for them, the person you want to look after your children, elders, and/or pets.
Beneficiary: the people or organizations whom you want to get your assets.
Assets: money, property, and other valuable items.
Witness: the person who is mentally fit and of legal age who signs your last will as well as can verify its authenticity.

How to write or fill out a will?

Include personal information about yourself or the testator

You have to fill in the name of the person for which the last will is being made in the header of the document. Also, you have to include in your address and city of residence. The details regarding your spouse and family members should also be included.

Executor information

There could be some restrictions regarding who can legally be an executor on the basis of the state you are in. However, all states need that the executor should be at least 18 years old. If your first choice is not able to fulfill its duties, you should also appoint a successor executor.

Executor compensation and powers

If you want the executor to be entitled to any compensation or they should possess any special powers, then you also have to mention them. You should also specify that how the executor should be paid or you can leave it to the executor’s discretion. You may also like Codicil To Will Form.

Mention the beneficiaries of your assets

You have to clearly specify the name of the person and the item they get whether it is personal property, cash, or remaining estate. You can assign a beneficiary of the remaining estate when all property, expenses, and debt has been distributed.

Appointing guardians

Here, you will appoint guardians for any minors, elders, or pets. You also have the chance to designate funds to be utilized in order to ease the burden on the guardian.

Assign witnesses and signatures

You will include in as many witnesses as needed depending on the laws of the state you are making the will in and they will have to sign the document.

Including a self-proving affidavit

A self-proving affidavit is a sworn statement. It proves the validity of the will. In front of a notary, it is signed by you and your witnesses.